Members of the Brisbane Divine Mercy Group travelled to Samoa for the ordination of the new Archbishop of Samoa, Father Mosese Vitolio Tui. 

The group consisting of 10 members shared that their presence in Samoa was an expression of their love for their church and Catholic faith. 

"We're the Brisbane Divine Mercy Group. There's only 10 of us representing Brisbane Divine Mercy and we're here for the installation of the Archbishop because it's something that we love," said Marine Ene, the secretary of the group.

Explaining the significance of the inauguration, Ene said “It's the formal process that the Catholic Church uses to install somebody into their new post." 

The group also highlighted their connection to Father Morris, who looks after them in Brisbane, and their desire to support him and the new Archbishop. Despite being part of a larger Brisbane Divine Mercy Group, only a small contingent was able to make the trip to Samoa.

In an interview with acting Archbishop Peter H Brown, he explained the process of selecting a new archbishop and how the process is not easy.

He mentioned, "The process begins with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and his selection committee. They ask for recommendations from the churches in Samoa,” said Bishop Brown. 

There were four candidates from Samoa, and Archbishop Elect Mosese Vitolio Tui was the successful candidate.  

Bishop Brown also shared that "Rome just doesn't pick someone out of the sky. They try to find the right one," emphasising the rigorous selection process. 

The incoming Archbishop, who will be ordained on Thursday, has already garnered praise from Bishop Brown, who said, "I think he'll be a good archbishop."

He also provided insights into Archbishop Mosese's family background, highlighting their long tradition of service within the church. The installation of the new archbishop marks a significant event for the Catholic Church in Samoa and has attracted support not only from local communities but also from Australia and New Zealand. 

“Archbishop Mosese was parish priest in Massey in New Zealand and a choir of 150 are coming because they are singing on the ordination day,” added Bishop Brown. 

An ava ceremony will be hosted on Wednesday in Leauva’a at St Therese followed by the ordination on Thursday and Archbishop Mosese’s first mass on Friday.